U.S. patent number 9,533,187 [Application Number 13/950,151] was granted by the patent office on 2017-01-03 for core strengthening device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to William T. Dalebout.
United States Patent |
9,533,187 |
Dalebout |
January 3, 2017 |
Core strengthening device
Abstract
A core strengthening device includes a tray and a ball. The tray
has first and second opposing sides. The first side of the tray has
a recess formed therein. A ball is selectively positionable at
least partially within the recess in the tray. The ball has a first
hemisphere and a second hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a
first radius and the second hemisphere has a second radius that is
different than the first radius. The core strengthening device
provides instability to exercises, which requires a user's core
muscles to work harder to perform the exercises and maintain
balance, which strengthens the user's core muscles.
Inventors: |
Dalebout; William T. (North
Logan, UT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
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Assignee: |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
(Logan, UT)
|
Family
ID: |
50881576 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/950,151 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140162858 A1 |
Jun 12, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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61675477 |
Jul 25, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/18 (20130101); A63B 23/02 (20130101); A63B
26/003 (20130101); A63B 23/1236 (20130101); A63B
22/0046 (20130101); A63B 2208/0204 (20130101); A63B
69/0093 (20130101); A63B 22/02 (20130101); A63B
22/0023 (20130101); A63B 22/0605 (20130101); A63B
2210/50 (20130101); A63B 2225/62 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
26/00 (20060101); A63B 22/18 (20060101); A63B
23/12 (20060101); A63B 23/02 (20060101); A63B
22/00 (20060101); A63B 22/02 (20060101); A63B
22/06 (20060101); A63B 69/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen
Assistant Examiner: Urbiel Goldner; Gary D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Holland & Park LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/675,477 filed on Jul. 25, 2012.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A core strengthening device, comprising: a tray having a first
side and an opposing second side, the first side having multiple
recesses defined therein where the multiple recesses are closed
with respect to the opposing second side; a ball selectively
positionable at least partially within one of the multiple recesses
in the tray, the ball having a first hemisphere and a second
hemisphere, the first hemisphere having a first radius and the
second hemisphere having a second radius that is different than the
first radius; wherein one of the first hemisphere and second
hemisphere have an apex and a height measured at the apex, wherein
the height of the second hemisphere is about equal to a depth of
the one of the multiple recesses; wherein the ball may be
selectively inverted and positioned within the tray such that
either the first hemisphere or the second hemisphere projects out
of the one of the multiple recesses; and wherein the first
hemisphere and the second hemisphere engage a center of the one of
the multiple recesses in the tray differently.
2. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the second
side of the tray comprises a substantially flat surface.
3. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the ball is
selectively positionable within the one of the multiple recesses
such that either the first hemisphere is positioned closer to the
second side of the tray than the second hemisphere or the second
hemisphere is positioned closer to the second side of the tray than
the first hemisphere.
4. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the first
hemisphere comprises an outer surface having treads thereon; and
wherein the second hemisphere includes frictional features
configured to engage the one of the multiple recesses.
5. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the core
strengthening device is alternately usable in a first orientation
and a second orientation, wherein, in the first orientation, the
second side of the tray is positioned against a support surface and
the ball projects out of the one of the multiple recesses away from
the support surface; and wherein, in the second orientation, the
second side of the tray faces away from the support surface and the
ball projects out of the one of the multiple recesses toward the
support surface.
6. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the ball is
usable to improve a user's core strength independent from the
tray.
7. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the tray
comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge connecting
the first and second portions, wherein the hinge enables the tray
to be selectively moved between a use configuration and a storage
configuration.
8. The core strengthening device of claim 7, wherein the tray
comprises a lock that selectively secures the tray in either the
use configuration or the storage configuration.
9. The core strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the multiple
recesses defined in the tray are generally aligned within a
row.
10. The core strengthening device of claim 1, further comprising
multiple balls selectively and respectively positionable at least
partially within the multiple recesses of the tray.
11. The core strengthening device of claim 10, wherein one or more
balls of the multiple balls has a first hemisphere and a second
hemisphere, the first hemisphere having a first radius and the
second hemisphere having a second radius that is different than the
first radius.
12. A core strengthening device, comprising: a tray having a first
side and an opposing second side, the first side having a plurality
of recesses defined therein where the plurality of recesses are
closed with respect to the opposing second side; and a plurality of
balls selectively and respectively positionable at least partially
within the plurality of recesses in the tray, one or more balls of
the plurality of balls having a first hemisphere and a second
hemisphere, the first hemisphere having a first radius and the
second hemisphere having a second radius that is different than the
first radius; wherein the one or more balls of the plurality of
balls may be selectively inverted and positioned within the tray
such that either the first hemisphere or the second hemisphere
projects out of a respective one or more of the plurality of
recesses.
13. The core strengthening device of claim 12, wherein the
plurality of balls respectively project out of the plurality of
recesses.
14. The core strengthening device of claim 12, wherein the
plurality of recesses are generally aligned in a row.
15. A core strengthening device, comprising: a tray, the tray
having multiple recesses in a first side where the multiple
recesses are closed with respect to an opposing second side of the
tray; a ball, the ball comprising: a first hemisphere with an outer
surface having a first radius; and a second hemisphere with an
outer surface having a second radius, the second radius being
greater than the first radius; wherein one of the first hemisphere
and second hemisphere have an apex and a height measured at the
apex, wherein the height of the second hemisphere is about equal to
a depth of one of the multiple recesses; wherein the ball may be
selectively inverted and positioned within the tray such that
either the first hemisphere or the second hemisphere projects out
of the one of the multiple recesses; and wherein the first
hemisphere and the second hemisphere engage a center of the one of
the multiple recesses in the tray differently.
16. The core strengthening device of claim 15, wherein the ball
further comprises a first pole, a second pole, and an equator,
wherein the equator is positioned closer to the second pole than
the first pole.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and
devices for strengthening core muscles and improving a person's
balance. More particularly, the disclosure relates to kits,
assemblies, and combinations of core strengthening and balance
improving devices.
BACKGROUND
Using exercise balls (also known as stability or balance balls) has
become a popular way to increase core strength, abdominal fitness,
and balance. Exercising with an exercise ball, as opposed to
exercising directly on a hard flat surface, forces the user's body
to respond to the instability of the ball in order to remain
balanced. As a result, the user engages many more muscles, which
become stronger over time, thereby improving the user's balance,
strength, and fitness. Most frequently, the core body muscles--the
abdominal muscles and back muscles--are the focus of exercise ball
fitness programs.
Depending on the type of exercise being performed or the fitness or
skill level of the user, the level of instability of an exercise
ball may need to be adjusted. The level of instability of an
exercise ball can be decreased by reducing the pressure within the
exercise ball so that the curvature of the exercise ball decreases
(i.e., flattens out), making the exercise ball less prone to
rolling. Conversely, the level of instability of an exercise ball
can be increased by increasing the pressure within the exercise
ball so that the curvature of the exercise ball increases, making
the exercise ball more likely to roll. Typically, the pressure
within an exercise ball can be adjusted by pumping air into or
releasing air from the exercise ball through a valve.
Properly adjusting the level of instability of an exercise ball can
be difficult. For instance, a pump may be required to increase the
pressure within the exercise ball. Using the pump may be
complicated and physically challenging for some users.
Additionally, it can be difficult to achieve a level of pressure in
the exercise ball that corresponds to a desired level of
instability. For example, it may be difficult to gauge how much air
to pump into or release from the exercise ball in order to achieve
the desired level of instability. As a result, a user may pump too
much or not enough air into the exercise ball to achieve the
desired level of instability. Similarly, a user may release too
much or not enough air from the exercise ball to achieve the
desired level of instability.
Other exercise devices designed to improve a user's core strength
and balance are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,983, U.S. Pat. No.
6,575,885, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,488.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the disclosure, a core strengthening device
includes a tray and a ball. The tray has a first side and an
opposing second side, with the first side having a recess formed
therein. The ball is selectively positionable at least partially
within the recess in the tray. The ball has a first hemisphere and
a second hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a first radius and
the second hemisphere has a second radius that is different than
the first radius.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the recess in the tray has a predetermined depth and the
ball has a height that is greater than the predetermined depth of
the recess such that the ball projects out of the recess.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the second side of the tray includes a substantially flat
surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball is selectively positionable within the recess such
that either the first hemisphere is positioned closer to the second
side of the tray than the second hemisphere or the second
hemisphere is positioned closer to the second side of the tray than
the first hemisphere.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball may be selectively inverted and positioned within
the tray such that either the first hemisphere or the second
hemisphere projects out of the recess.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the first hemisphere has an outer surface having tread
thereon.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the first hemisphere has a shape that generally corresponds
to a shape of the recess in the tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device is alternately usable in a
first orientation and a second orientation.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, when the core strengthening device is in the first
orientation, the second side of the tray is positioned against a
support surface and the ball projects out of the recess away from
the support surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, when the core strengthening device is in the second
orientation, the second side of the tray faces away from the
support surface and the ball projects out of the recess toward the
support surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere of the ball
may alternately project out of the recess toward the support
surface when the core strengthening device is used in the second
orientation.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball is usable to improve a user's core strength or
balance independent from the tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball includes a valve to adjust a pressure level within
the ball.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the first side of the tray includes multiple recesses
formed therein.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the multiple recesses formed in the tray are generally
aligned within a row.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device includes multiple balls
selectively positionable at least partially within the multiple
recesses of the tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, one or more balls of the multiple balls has a first
hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the first hemisphere having a
first radius and the second hemisphere having a second radius that
is different than the first radius.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a core strengthening device includes a tray having a first
side and an opposing second side, the first side having a plurality
of recesses formed therein.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device includes a plurality of balls
selectively positionable at least partially within the plurality of
recesses in the tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, one or more balls of the plurality of balls has a first
hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the first hemisphere having a
first radius and the second hemisphere having a second radius that
is different than the first radius.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the plurality of balls project out of the plurality of
recesses.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the plurality of recesses are generally aligned in a
row.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a core strengthening device includes a ball having a first
hemisphere with an outer surface having a first radius.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball has a second hemisphere with an outer surface
having a second radius, the second radius being greater than the
first radius.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball includes a first pole, a second pole, and an
equator.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the equator is positioned closer to the second pole than
the first pole.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the tray includes a first portion, a second portion, and a
hinge connecting the first and second portions.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the hinge enables the tray to be selectively moved between
a use configuration and a storage configuration.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the tray includes a lock the selectively secures the tray
in either a use configuration or a storage configuration.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, one or more of the balls has a height that is equal to or
greater than a depth of a recess in a tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, one or more of the balls has first hemisphere with a first
height and a second hemisphere with a second height.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a ball has a height that is greater than a depth of a
recesses in a tray by a distance generally equal to a height of a
first hemisphere or a second hemisphere of the ball.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a ball has a height that is greater than a depth of a
recesses in a tray by a distance generally less than a height of a
first hemisphere or a second hemisphere of the ball.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a ball has a height that is greater than a depth of a
recesses in a tray by a distance generally greater than a height of
a first hemisphere or a second hemisphere of the ball.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, an exercise device includes a base support, an upright
support structure, a pedal assembly, a seat, and a core
strengthening device.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the upright support structure is mounted to the base
support.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the upright support structure has a seat platform.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the pedal assembly is engagable and rotatable by a user's
feet.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the pedal assembly is coupled to the upright support
structure.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the seat is associated with the seat platform.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device is disposed between the seat
and the seat platform.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device includes a tray disposed on
the underside of the seat.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the tray has a recess formed therein.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the core strengthening device includes a ball positionable
within the recess in the tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball extends partially out of the recess and is
positionable upon the seat platform.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the exercise device includes a resistance assembly that
provides resistance to the rotation of the pedal assembly.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the upright support structure is pivotally connected to the
base support such that the upright support structure can pivot
forward and backward relative to the base support.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball is selectively removable from the recess in the
tray.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the tray may be selectively and stably positioned directly
on the seat platform.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, an exercise device includes a support structure, a
treadbase, and one or more core strengthening devices.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the support structure includes a base support.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the treadbase is connected to the support structure.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the treadbase includes a rotatable belt upon which a user
may walk, jog, or run.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the one or more core strengthening devices are positionable
between the base support and a support surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, at least one of the one or more core strengthening devices
includes a tray disposed on the underside of the base support, the
tray having a recess formed therein, and a ball positionable within
the recess in the tray, wherein the ball extends partially out of
the recess and is positionable against the support surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the exercise device includes one or more core strengthening
devices positionable between the treadbase and the support
surface.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the ball is selectively removable from the recess in the
tray and the tray may be selectively and stably positioned directly
on the support surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a core strengthening
device according to one implementation of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 illustrated an exploded view of the core strengthening
device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the core strengthening
device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the core
strengthening device of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate example uses of the core strengthening
device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a core strengthening
device according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 illustrated an exploded perspective view of the core
strengthening device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the core strengthening
device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the core
strengthening device of FIG. 6.
FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate example uses of the core strengthening
device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 illustrates a tray of the core strengthening device of FIG.
6 in a folded or storage configuration.
FIG. 12 illustrates a stationary exercise cycle that has a core
strengthening device incorporated therein.
FIG. 13 illustrates a treadmill that has core strengthening devices
incorporated therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is directed to core strengthening and balance
improving devices, and particularly to kits, assemblies, and
combinations of core strengthening and balance improving devices.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a core
strengthening/balance improving device 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, device 100 includes a tray 102 and a ball 104. A user
may use device 100 when performing various exercises to improve the
user's core strength and balance. More specifically, ball 104 is
somewhat malleable so that ball 104 at least slightly deforms when
a force is applied thereto. As a result, when a user applies a
force to device 100 during an exercise (i.e., standing on device
100 to do squats, leaning on device 100 to do pushups, etc.), ball
104 deforms, thereby providing some instability to the exercise.
The instability provided by device 100 forces the user's muscles to
work harder to maintain the user's balance, which strengthens the
core muscles.
Tray 102 includes a first side that, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a
recess 106 therein. Recess 106 is sized and configured to receive
at least a portion of ball 104 therein, as shown in FIG. 1, for
example. Tray 102 also includes an opposing second side that has a
substantially flat surface 108. Flat surface 108 may be placed on a
floor or other support surface during exercise and the user may
engage ball 104. Alternatively, ball 104 may be placed against the
floor or other support surface and the user may engage flat surface
108.
With continued attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, attention is now also
directed to FIG. 3, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of
device 100. As can be seen, ball 104 includes a first hemisphere
110 and a second hemisphere 112. First hemisphere 110 and second
hemisphere 112 are separated by an equator 114. A first pole 116 is
disposed at the apex of first hemisphere 110 and a second pole 118
is disposed at the apex of second hemisphere 112.
First hemisphere 110 has a first radius R.sub.1 and second
hemisphere 112 has a second radius R.sub.2. As can be seen in the
Figures, first radius R.sub.1 is different than second radius
R.sub.2. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, first
radius R.sub.1 is less than second radius R.sub.2. Ball 104 has a
number of unique characteristics as a result of first radius
R.sub.1 and second radius R.sub.2 being different from one another.
For instance, the outer surface of first hemisphere 110 is more
rounded than the outer surface of second hemisphere 112 and the
outer surface of second hemisphere 112 is flatter than the outer
surface of first hemisphere 110. Additionally, equator 114 is
positioned closer to second pole 118 than first pole 116.
Consequently, first hemisphere 110 has a height H.sub.1 that is
greater than a height H.sub.2 of second hemisphere 112.
As can be seen in FIG. 3, the height H.sub.1 of first hemisphere
110 is generally about equal to the depth of recess 106. As a
result, when ball 104 is positioned within recess 106 as shown in
FIG. 3 (i.e., with first hemisphere 110 facing and positioned
within recess 106 so that first hemisphere 110 is closer to flat
surface 108 than second hemisphere 112), second hemisphere 112
projects out of recess 106 to a height above the top of recess 106
that is generally equal to about the height H.sub.2 of second
hemisphere 112. In other words, the total height H.sub.T of ball
104 (i.e., height H.sub.1 plus height H.sub.2) is greater than the
depth of recess 106 by a distance generally equal to height
H.sub.2. It is understood, however, that the depth of recess 106
may be greater or less than height H.sub.1. For instance, the depth
of recess 106 may be about equal to height H.sub.2, similar to
recesses 156 discussed below. Alternatively, the depth of recess
106 may be less than height H.sub.2, between height H.sub.1 and
height H.sub.2, or greater than height H.sub.2.
As can also be seen in FIG. 3, the shape of the outer surface of
first hemisphere 110 generally corresponds to the shape of recess
106. The outer surface of first hemisphere 110 may be generally
smooth or, as illustrated in FIG. 2, may include contours, tread
patterns, or other features 120 that provide or improve friction
between ball 104 and tray 102. The contours, tread patterns, or
other features may take any number of different forms. For
instance, the contours, tread patterns, or other features may
include ridges that extend circumferentially or helically about the
outer surface of first hemisphere 110. In other embodiments, such
as that shown in FIG. 2, the contours may include dimples, bumps,
or any combination of different contours, tread patterns, or other
features whether in regular or irregular patterns. Although not
illustrated, recess 106 may include contours, tread patterns, or
other features that generally correspond to the contours, tread
patterns, or other features 120 of first hemisphere 110.
In addition to positioning ball 104 in recess 106 as shown in FIG.
3 (i.e., with first hemisphere 110 facing and positioned within
recess 106 so that first hemisphere 110 is closer to flat surface
108 than second hemisphere 112), ball 104 may be selectively
removed from recess 106, inverted, and positioned within recess 106
as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, ball 104 is positioned
within recess 106 such that second hemisphere 112 faces and is
positioned within recess 106 so that second hemisphere 112 is
closer to flat surface 108 than first hemisphere 110. When ball 104
is so positioned within recess 106, second hemisphere 112 may at
least partially deform so that at least a portion of the outer
surface of second hemisphere 112 generally conforms to the shape of
recess 106. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 4, ball 104, and
particularly first hemisphere 110, projects out of recess 106 to a
height above the top of recess 106.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ball 104 may optionally be formed with
an interior chamber 122 that may be pressurized with a gas, such as
air, or a fluid. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the
level of pressure within interior chamber 122. Accordingly, ball
104 may include a valve 124 that enable the selective adjustment of
the pressure within interior chamber 122. For instance, valve 124
may allow for additional gas or fluid to be pumped into interior
chamber 122 to increase the pressure therein. Similarly, valve 124
may allow for gas or fluid to be removed from interior chamber 122
to decrease the pressure therein.
FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate various manners in which device 100 may be
used. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate device 100 being used in a first
orientation. In the first orientation, the second side (i.e., flat
surface 108) of tray 102 is positioned against a support surface
and ball 104 projects out of recess 106 away from the support
surface. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, ball 104 may be positioned
within tray 102 so that second hemisphere 112 projects out of
recess 106 and away from the support surface. Similarly, as shown
in FIG. 5B, ball 104 may be positioned within tray 102 so that
first hemisphere 110 projects out of recess 106 and away from the
support surface. In the illustrated embodiments of device 100 being
used in the first orientation, the user engages ball 104.
FIGS. 5C-5D illustrate device 100 being used in a second
orientation. In the second orientation, the second side (i.e., flat
surface 108) of tray 102 faces away from a support surface and ball
104 projects out of recess 106 toward the support surface. As can
be seen in FIG. 5C, ball 104 may be positioned within tray 102 so
that second hemisphere 112 projects out of recess 106 and toward
the support surface. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5D, ball 104 may
be positioned within tray 102 so that first hemisphere 110 projects
out of recess 106 and toward the support surface. In the
illustrated embodiments of device 100 being used in the second
orientation, the user engages flat surface 108.
As shown in FIGS. 5E-5F, ball 104 may be used independent of tray
102. More specifically, ball 104 may be selectively removed from
tray 102 and used to perform various exercises without tray 102. As
can be seen in FIG. 5E, for example, ball 104 may be positioned on
a support surface such that second hemisphere 112 engages the
support surface. The user may engage the first hemisphere 110 when
performing various exercises. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5F,
ball 104 may be positioned on a support surface such that first
hemisphere 110 engages the support surface. In this arrangement,
the user may engage the second hemisphere 112 when performing
various exercises.
Attention is now directed to FIGS. 6-11, which illustrate a device
150 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Device 150 is similar to device 100 in many respects. For instance,
device 150 includes a tray 152 that may rest against a support
surface or be engaged by a user during the performance of various
exercises. Unlike device 100 that has a single ball 104, device 150
includes a plurality of balls 154. Balls 154 may be somewhat
malleable so that balls 154 at least slightly deform when a force
is applied thereto. As a result, when a user applies a force to
device 150 during an exercise (i.e., standing on device 150 to do
squats, leaning on device 150 to do pushups, etc.), balls 154
deforms, thereby providing some instability to the exercise. The
instability provided by device 150 forces the user's muscles to
work harder to maintain the user's balance, which strengthens the
user's core muscles.
Tray 152, which has a shape similarly to a surf or paddle board,
includes a first side that, as shown in FIG. 7, includes multiple
recesses 156 therein. Recesses 156 are each sized and configured to
receive at least a portion of a ball 154 therein, as shown in FIG.
6, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, recesses 156 are
generally aligned with one another in a row along the length of
tray 152. In other embodiments, however, recesses 156 may be
arranged in configurations other than a row.
Tray 152 also includes an opposing second side that has a
substantially flat surface 158. Flat surface 158 may be placed on a
floor or other support surface during exercise and the user may
engage one or more of balls 154. Alternatively, balls 154 may be
placed against the floor or other support surface and the user may
engage flat surface 158. Optionally, tray 152 may include one or
more handles 159. As discussed in greater detail below, tray 152
may also optionally include a hinge 157 that allows tray 152 to be
folded for storage.
With continued attention to FIGS. 6 and 7, attention is now also
directed to FIG. 8, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of
device 150. More specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of device 150 showing one of balls 154 positioned within one
of recesses 156. Balls 154 may be similar or identical to ball 104.
For instance, as can be seen in FIG. 6, ball 154 includes a first
hemisphere 160 and a second hemisphere 162. First hemisphere 160
and second hemisphere 162 are separated by an equator 164. A first
pole 166 is disposed at the apex of first hemisphere 160 and a
second pole 168 is disposed at the apex of second hemisphere
162.
Like ball 104, first hemisphere 160 of ball 154 has a first radius
R.sub.1 and second hemisphere 162 has a second radius R.sub.2. As
with the previous embodiment, first radius R.sub.1 is different
than second radius R.sub.2. More specifically, in the illustrated
embodiment, first radius R.sub.1 is less than second radius
R.sub.2. Balls 154 have a number of unique characteristics as a
result of first radius R.sub.1 and second radius R.sub.2 being
different from one another. For instance, the outer surface of
first hemisphere 160 is more rounded than the outer surface of
second hemisphere 162 and the outer surface of second hemisphere
162 is flatter than the outer surface of first hemisphere 160.
Additionally, equator 164 is positioned closer to second pole 168
than first pole 166. Consequently, first hemisphere 160 has a
height H.sub.1 that is greater than a height H.sub.2 of second
hemisphere 162.
As can be seen in FIG. 8, the height H.sub.2 of second hemisphere
166 is generally about equal to the depth of recess 156. As a
result, when ball 154 is positioned within recess 156 as shown in
FIG. 8 (i.e., when second hemisphere 162 faces and is positioned
within recess 156 so that second hemisphere 162 is closer to flat
surface 158 than first hemisphere 160), first hemisphere 160
projects out of recess 156 a distance that is generally equal to
about the height H.sub.1 of first hemisphere 160. In other words,
the total height H.sub.T of balls 154 (i.e., height H.sub.1 plus
height H.sub.2) is greater than the depth of recess 156 by a
distance generally equal to about height H.sub.1. It is understood,
however, that the depth of recesses 156 may be greater or less than
height H.sub.2. For instance, the depth of recesses 156 may be
about equal to height H.sub.1, similar to recess 106 discussed
above. Alternatively, the depth of recesses 156 may be less than
height H.sub.2, between height H.sub.1 and height H.sub.2, or
greater than height H.sub.2.
As can also be seen in FIG. 8, the shape of the outer surface of
second hemisphere 162 generally corresponds to the shape of recess
156. The outer surface of second hemisphere 162 may be generally
smooth or may include contours, tread patterns, or other features
that provide or improve friction between balls 154 and tray 152.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, first hemisphere 160 may include
contours, tread patterns, or other features that provide or improve
friction between balls 154 and either tray 152 or a support
surface. The contours, tread patterns, or other features may take
any number of different forms. For instance, the contours, tread
patterns, or other features may include ridges that extend
circumferentially or helically about the outer surface of balls
154. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 6-7, the
contours may include dimples, bumps, or any combination of
different contours, tread patterns, or other features whether in
regular or irregular patterns. Although not illustrated, recesses
156 may optionally include contours, tread patterns, or other
features that may or may not generally correspond to the contours,
tread patterns, or other features of balls 156.
In addition to positioning balls 154 in recesses 156 as shown in
FIG. 8 (i.e., with second hemisphere 162 facing and positioned
within recess 156 so that second hemisphere 162 is closer to flat
surface 158 than first hemisphere 160), balls 154 may be
selectively removed from recesses 156, inverted, and positioned
within recesses 156 as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, ball
154 is positioned within recess 156 such that first hemisphere 160
faces and is positioned within recess 156 so that first hemisphere
160 is closer to flat surface 158 than second hemisphere 162. When
ball 154 is so positioned within recess 156, first hemisphere 160
may at least partially deform so that at least a portion of the
outer surface of first hemisphere 160 generally conforms to the
shape of recess 156. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 9, ball 154,
including second hemisphere 162 and a portion of first hemisphere
160, projects a distance out of recess 156.
Like ball 104, and as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, balls 154 may
optionally be formed with an interior chamber 170 that may be
pressurized with a gas, such as air, or a fluid. In some cases, it
may be desirable to adjust the level of pressure within interior
chamber 170. Accordingly, each of balls 154 may include a valve 172
that enable the selective adjustment of the pressure within
interior chambers 170. For instance, valve 172 may allow for
additional gas or fluid to be pumped into interior chamber 170 to
increase the pressure therein. Similarly, valve 172 may allow for
gas or fluid to be removed from interior chamber 170 to decrease
the pressure therein.
FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate various manners in which device 150 may be
used. FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate device 150 being used in a first
orientation. In the first orientation, the second side (i.e., flat
surface 18) of tray 152 is positioned facing away from a support
surface and balls 154 project out of recesses 156 toward the
support surface such that balls 154 rest against the support
surface. As can be seen in FIG. 10A, balls 154 may be positioned
within tray 152 so that first hemispheres 160 project out of
recesses 156 and toward the support surface. Similarly, as shown in
FIG. 10B, balls 154 may be positioned within tray 152 so that
second hemispheres 162 project out of recess 156 and toward the
support surface. In the illustrated embodiments of device 150 being
used in the first orientation, the user engages flat surface 158 of
tray 152.
As can be seen in FIGS. 10A-10B, two of balls 154 are shown in
dashed lines, indicating that not all of balls 154 are required to
be used at any given time. For instance, a user may use device 150
with only a single ball 154 positioned within one of recesses 156.
In FIGS. 10A-10B, for example, the middle ball 154 (shown in solid
lines) may be positioned in the middle recess 156 and the balls 154
shown in dashed lines may be removed from recesses 156. Using a
single ball 154 allows for tray 152 to tilt in both lateral
directions and in the fore and aft directions. As a result, greater
instability is provided in all directions.
Alternatively, two or more of balls 154 may be positioned within
two or more of recesses 156 when performing various exercises. In
FIGS. 10A-10B, for example, two or more of balls 154 may be
positioned in recesses 156. Using multiple balls 154 limits tray
152 from tilting in the lateral directions, but still allows tray
152 to tilt in the fore and aft directions. As a result,
instability is still provided, although to a lesser degree. In
light of the foregoing, it will be understood that using different
numbers of balls 154, and arranging balls 154 in different
combinations in recesses 156, provides greater versatility in
exercise options when using device 150.
FIGS. 10C-10D illustrate device 150 being used in a second
orientation. In the second orientation, the second side (i.e., flat
surface 158) of tray 152 faces toward a support surface and balls
154 project out of recess 156 away from the support surface. As can
be seen in FIG. 10C, one or more of balls 154 may be positioned
within tray 152 so that first hemispheres 160 project out of
recesses 156 and away from the support surface. Similarly, as shown
in FIG. 10D, one or more of balls 154 may be positioned within tray
152 so that second hemispheres 162 project out of recesses 156 and
away from the support surface. In the illustrated embodiments of
device 150 being used in the second orientation, the user engages
one or more of balls 154 while flat surface 108 rests against the
support surface.
As shown in FIGS. 10E-10F, one or more of balls 154 may be used
independent of tray 152. More specifically, one or more of balls
154 may be selectively removed from tray 152 and used to perform
various exercises without tray 152. As can be seen in FIG. 10E, for
example, two of balls 154 may be positioned on a support surface
such that second hemispheres 162 engage the support surface. The
user may engage first hemispheres 160 when performing various
exercises. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10F, one or more of
balls 154 may be positioned on a support surface such that first
hemispheres 160 engages the support surface. In this arrangement,
the user may engage second hemispheres 162 when performing various
exercises.
As noted above, tray 152 may optionally include one or more hinges
157 that allows tray 152 to be folded for storage. As shown in FIG.
11, tray 152 may include a first portion 152a and a second portion
152b that are connected together with one or more hinges 157. First
portion 152a and/or second portion 152b may pivot about hinges 157
so that tray 152 is folded into the storage configuration shown in
FIG. 11. As can be seen, when tray 152 is in the folded
configuration, the recesses 156 on first portion 152a face and are
disposed adjacent to the recesses 156 on second portion 152b.
Hinges 157 thus allows tray 152 to be folded into a more compact
configuration for storage.
In addition to hinges 157, tray 152 may also include one or more
locking mechanism that selectively secures tray 152 in either the
use configuration shown in FIGS. 6-7 or the storage configuration
shown in FIG. 11. In the presently illustrated embodiment, at least
one of hinges 157 includes a lock 161 that may selectively secure
tray 152 is one or more configurations. For instance, once tray 152
has been arranged in the use configuration shown in FIGS. 6-7, lock
161 may be activated to selectively secure tray 152 in the use
configuration. When it is desired to store tray 152, lock 161 may
be deactivated or released to allow first portion 152a and/or
second portion 152b to be folded towards one another and about
hinges 157. Once tray 152 is folded, lock 161 may be activated to
selectively secure tray 152 in the storage configuration.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 12, which illustrates an exercise
device 180 in the form of a stationary exercise cycle. Exercise
device 180 includes a base support 182 and a generally upright
support structure 184 pivotally connected thereto. Upright support
structure 184, in this illustrative embodiment, includes two
support members 186, 188. Disposed on an upper end of support
member 186 is a seat 190 upon which a user may sit when exercising
on exercise device 180. Support member 188 includes a handlebar
assembly 192 and a control panel 194.
A drive assembly 196 is mounted on upright support structure 184.
Drive assembly 196 includes a rotatable pedal assembly 198 that
includes a pair of cranks 200 and pedals 202. Drive assembly 196
also includes a resistance assembly 204 for providing resistance to
the rotation of pedal assembly 198.
As noted, upright support structure 184 is pivotally connected to
base support 182. More specifically, upright support structure 184
is pivotally connected to base support 182 at pivot 206, which may
allow upright support structure 184 to pivot forward, backward,
and/or side-to-side. To facilitate the tilting of upright support
structure 184 relative to base support 182, an extension mechanism
208, or another linearly extending assembly, may be connected
between upright support structure 184 and base support 182, as
shown in FIG. 12. Extension mechanism 208 may extend or retract to
tilt upright support structure 184 forward or backward as
desired.
Additionally, exercise device 180 includes a core strengthening
device 210. Core strengthening device 210 is similar in many
respects to device 100 discussed above. More specifically, device
210 includes a tray 212 disposed on the underside of seat 190. Tray
212 has a recess formed in a bottom surface thereof, similar to
recesses 156 in tray 152. A ball 214 can be positioned at least
partially within and extend at least partially out of the recess in
tray 212. Ball 214 can be similar or identical to balls 104, 154
described above. The portion of ball 214 that extends out of tray
212 may rest on a seat platform 216 on support member 186. Device
210 provides some instability to seat 190 such that seat 190 can
rock is various directions as a user sits thereon. As a result, the
user's core muscles will have to work harder to maintain the user's
balance, thereby improving the user's core strength.
In some embodiments, ball 214 may be removed from the recess in
tray 212 and tray 212 may be positioned directly on seat platform
216. The recess in tray 212 and seat platform 216 may be shaped or
otherwise configured so that seat 190 is maintained in a relatively
stable position when tray 212 is placed directly on seat platform
216. Thus, a user may select to have ball 214 positioned between
seat 190 and support member 186 to enhance a core muscle workout,
or the user may select to remove ball 214 and have a stable seat
190. Additionally, the height of support member 186 may be
selectively adjustable to allow for seat 190 to be raised or
lowered depending on whether ball 214 is positioned between tray
212 and seat platform 216.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 13, which illustrates an exercise
device 220 in the form of a treadmill. Exercise device 220 includes
a base support 222, a generally upright support structure 224 that
supports a control panel 226, and a treadbase 228 connected to
upright support structure 224. Treadbase 228 includes a rotatable
belt 230 upon which a user may walk, jog, or run.
Exercise device 220 may also include one or more core strengthening
devices 232 that are similar or identical to device 210. More
specifically, exercise device 220 may include one or more devices
232 mounted under base support 222 and/or treadbase 228. Similar to
the other core strengthening devices described herein, each of
devices 232 may include a tray 234 and a ball 236. Like the other
trays discussed herein, trays 234 may include recessed formed
therein for receiving balls 236 partially therein. As shown, balls
236 extend out of trays 234 and engage a support surface. As a
result, devices 232 provide some instability to exercise device 220
such that exercise device 220 can rock is various directions as a
user walks, jogs, or runs thereon. As a result, the user's core
muscles will have to work harder to maintain the user's balance,
thereby improving the user's core strength.
In some embodiments, balls 236 may be removed from the recesses in
trays 234 and trays 234 may be positioned directly on the support
surface. By removing balls 236 from trays 234, exercise device 220
may be maintained in a relatively stable position. Thus, a user may
select to have balls 236 positioned between exercise device 220 and
the support surface to enhance a core muscle workout, or the user
may select to remove balls 236 and have a more stable exercise
device 220.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems
and devices for improving a user's balance and core muscle
strength. More particularly, the systems and devices provide some
instability to exercises, which requires the user's muscles to work
harder to maintain the user's balance. As a result of the increased
work, the user's muscles are strengthened and the user's balance
improves.
The systems and devices of the present disclosure may include one
or more balls that have two hemispheres with different radii. The
first hemisphere may have a shorter radius (and thus a greater
curvature) than the second hemisphere. As a result of the different
curvatures, the first and second hemispheres can provide different
levels of instability to exercises being performed. For example,
when the first hemisphere is positioned against a support surface
and the user applies a force to the second hemisphere, either
directly or through a tray associated with the ball, the greater
curvature of the first hemisphere will allow the ball to roll or
deform more than if the second hemisphere were positioned against
the support surface. Accordingly, there will be more instability to
the exercise, which will force the user's muscles to work
harder.
In contrast, when the second hemisphere is positioned against a
support surface and the user applies a force to the first
hemisphere, either directly or through a tray associated with the
ball, the lesser curvature of the second hemisphere will not allow
the ball to roll or deform as much as if the first hemisphere were
positioned against the support surface. Accordingly, there will be
less instability to the exercise than when the first hemisphere is
positioned against the support surface. Nevertheless, there will
still be some instability to the exercise, which will work the
user's muscles more than exercising on a completely stable
surface.
In addition to the unique, dual hemisphered balls, the core
strengthening devices and systems may include a tray. The tray may
be designed for use with one or more of the dual hemisphered balls.
For instance, the tray may include one or more recesses in which
the one or more balls may be positioned. The one or more balls may
be positioned in the one or more recesses with either the first or
second hemisphere projecting therefrom. For instance, when it is
desired to have a lower level of instability, the one or more balls
may be positioned within the one or more recesses with the second
hemispheres projecting out of the one or more recesses so as to
engage a support surface. Alternatively, when it is desired to have
a higher level of instability, the one or more balls may be
positioned within the one or more recesses with the first
hemispheres projecting out of the one or more recesses so as to
engage the support surface.
In embodiments that include a tray with multiple recesses and
multiple balls, the number of balls may be varied to provide
different levels of instability. For example, a single ball may be
used to provide tilt in both lateral directions and in the fore and
aft directions. Alternatively, multiple balls may be used to reduce
or eliminate instability in one or more directions. For instance,
using two or more balls can reduce or eliminate instability or
tilting in lateral direction while still allowing for fore and aft
tilting/instability, or vice versa.
As noted, the devices and systems may include one or more balls and
a tray with one or more recesses. In some embodiments, the system
includes a tray with a single recess for receiving a single ball.
In other embodiments, the system includes a tray with three
recesses for receiving up to three balls. In other embodiments, the
system may include a tray having any number of recesses for
receiving any number of balls. Additionally, the recesses may be
arranged on the tray in any of a variety of patterns. For instance,
the recesses may be aligned with one another in a single row.
Alternatively, the recesses may be arranged to form a geometric
pattern or shape, such as a triangle, rectangle, circle, or the
like. In embodiments where the system includes a tray with multiple
recesses and multiple balls, one or more of the balls may be used
while one or more of the balls may be set aside for certain
exercises.
The core strengthening devices and systems may be incorporated into
other exercise devices. For instance, a core strengthening device
may be incorporated into a stationary exercise cycle. The core
strengthening device may be disposed between an upright support
member and a seat to provide some instability to the seat and allow
the seat to rock. Similarly, one or more core strengthening devices
may be utilized in connection with a treadmill or elliptical. For
instance, one or more core strengthening devices may be positioned
under the treadmill or elliptical to allow the treadmill or
elliptical to rock or move during use.
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